Unexpected toxicity of CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib and radiotherapy

Cancer Rep (Hoboken). 2022 Feb;5(2):e1470. doi: 10.1002/cnr2.1470. Epub 2021 Jun 18.

Abstract

Background: Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors have recently been approved for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive and HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer in association with endocrine therapy in postmenopausal women. Data on the interaction of CDK4/6 inhibition and radiotherapy are scarce, but some studies show unexpected toxicity.

Cases: We report three cases of unexpected severe or prolonged soft tissue, skin, and gastrointestinal toxicity in patients treated with a combination of radiotherapy and the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib.

Conclusion: These cases indicate a possible interaction between radiotherapy and palbociclib. Therefore, we recommend using radiotherapy cautiously when combined with CDK4/6 inhibitors.

Keywords: breast cancer; clinical observations; radiation therapy; targeted therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain Management
  • Piperazines / adverse effects*
  • Postmenopause
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Pyridines / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Piperazines
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Pyridines
  • palbociclib